National Crime Agency (NCA) Solicitors London & Sheffield

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is the body responsible for tackling organised crime and bringing to justice serious criminals who are seen to pose the most significant risk to the general public in this country.

The Criminal Defence Team at Wilford Smith provide legal representation for all types of criminal cases and proceedings. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible defence by working ruthlessly to develop high-level strategies through our skill, hard work and determination. Accessing quality legal advice as soon as possible provides you with much needed reassurance at a challenging time, and will also help you to plan your defence in the most effective way.

For those subject to investigation or prosecution by the National Crime Agency, it is essential that the legal advice that you receive is of the highest quality. OurCriminal Defence Team can provide expert legal counsel in relation to all types of serious crime, including business crime, serious fraud and cyber crime, and are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. If you are subject to investigation or prosecution by the National Crime Agency, contact the Wilford Smith'sCriminal Defence Team today.

What is the National Crime Agency?

Taking the place of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), the National Crime Agency was set up to combat serious and major crimes such as organised crime, exploitative crime, cybercrime and financial crime, as well as issues related to border patrol. The NCA takes a leadership role in these areas through its organised crime, economic crime, border policing, and Child Exploitation and Online Protection commands, as well as through the National Cyber Crime Unit and specialist capability teams. Activities carried out by the agency include the investigation of trade in class A drugs, firearms, counterfeit currency, and child sexual exploitation amongst other crimes. In order to investigate and prevent the carrying out of these crimes, the NCA often works with local police forces and other bodies in order to effectively carry out its role.

How does the National Crime Agency investigate serious crime in the UK?

Investigations carried out by the National Crime Agency are mainly intelligence-led, that is through the collection of information for the specific purpose of answering questions about who, what, when, why, where and how organised criminals are operating in the UK. Central to the NCA is the National Tasking and Coordination function which provides an overarching view of immediate threats and operations, informing decisions on how the NCA’s resources should be deployed. The National Crime Agency collects three broad types of information: firstly, the personal information of individuals that the NCA suspects of being involved in organised crime, or the personal information of people associated with these individuals; secondly, information that makes it possible for the NCA to identify and profile those who are involved in activities falling within the legal responsibilities of the agency; and lastly, other information connected to the effects of organised crime. Information gathered by the NCA, which includes intelligence, is the result of operations carried out by the agency, as well as from investigations carried out by law enforcement agencies such as the police, from government agencies and from the private sector.

What powers does the National Crime Agency have in pursuit of prosecutions for serious criminal offences?

The powers of the NCA are substantial, making it one of the most powerful regulatory bodies in the UK. NCA officers have extensive powers, comparable to those held by the police and HMRC. Officers have the power to enter premises and seize assets that are being used in the course of criminal activity and seize documents that the NCA believes will provide evidence of criminal activity. This evidence will then be used in order that criminal charges can be brought against those involved in the committing of serious crimes. If you find yourself subject to an investigation by the NCA, you should immediately seek legal advice to ensure that your interests are best protected. By instructing solicitors from theCriminal Defence Team at Wilford Smith, you will have the support of legal experts with in-depth knowledge of the NCA’s investigation process, ensuring that interviews and searches are conducted in a fair and proper manner, and providing yourself with the strongest defence should charges subsequently be brought.

What is the National Crime Agency’s Economic Crime Command?

The National Crime Agency’s Economic Crime Command (ECC) works with partners across the public sector and the economy at large to reduce the impact of economic crime on the UK economy and society generally. Included within ‘economic crime’ are practices such as money laundering, corruption, fraud and the distribution of counterfeit currency. The ECC works with other agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Conduct Authority to investigate high priority economic crime, and promotes changes in the way that law enforcement and the financial sector work together to prevent economic crime.

Why choose Wilford Smith?

At Wilford Smith, we take pride in our reputation for unique representation, giving our clients a service that is exceptionally strategic and results driven, and can attract the highest calibre barristers to provide support when necessary. With years of experience in handling the most complex criminal cases on behalf of our clients, we are excellently placed to advise you in relation to all types of serious criminal charges, to act on your behalf and conduct your defence in court where necessary. We are available to our clients at all times, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so that you can receive the best possible legal advice as soon as you need it.

Contact our NCA Defence Lawyers, UK

OurCriminal Defence Solicitors are based in Sheffield and London and service clients throughout England and Wales. Contact us today on 01709 828 044 to find out how we can help.